Trivia for Timor

A TRIVIA night fundraiser will be held at St Alipius Church Hall next week in support of a community in Timor Leste.

The Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast is hosting the event on behalf of Sister Mary Anne Dwyer who has a goal to raise $3,000 on the night to purchase a vehicle which can be used by community members of a Timorese village.

Sister Dwyer is a retired Ballarat Sister of Mercy who worked in Timor Leste for 17 years.

“During her missionary experience she was exposed to and immersed in the utter poverty and fragility of the country,” event organiser Clare Bennett said.

“It was evident to a local young man that the elderly, handicapped, young children, pregnant women and other vulnerable people needed help.

“The daily struggles of tropical weather, long walks, going to the market, appointments, and making efforts to get to family occasions, was so often beyond their reach.

“This Timorese man, a victim of poverty and war trauma himself, dared to dream of a way to assist these people by getting a ute vehicle to use as transport for the community.

“The vehicle will be modified to include seating on the back and a canvas awning to shield from the weather.”

Ms Bennett said Sister Dwyer had been fundraising for a few years for the vehicle and only needed the remaining $3,000 to help the community purchase it.

“The Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast has agreed to take up the challenge of making this dream a reality by hosting this trivia night and raising funds to assist Mary Anne achieve her target.”

Trivia for Timor will be held on Friday, May 17 with arrival from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Trivia master Allan Peach from Trivia With a Twist will lead the evening.

Tables of eight are $25 per head and need to be pre-booked. Bring drinks and nibbles, but tea and coffee will be provided.

There will be prizes, a raffle, and an auction.

The venue is at 82 Victoria Street, Ballarat East. For more information, or to book a seat or table, phone 0439 652 325.